Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course will count towards one elective course in the certificate program, and must have been taken within the last three years. Transfer courses are not accepted for required courses in the certificate. (Exceptions are made for the certificate in Accounting.) Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better. Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764, Attn: Admission Services.

Many of our certificates can be completed in 12-18 months, by taking one or two classes per term, including summer. However, the rate at which you finish may vary, depending on course schedules and how many courses you can reasonably manage each term. Students have up to two years to complete the coursework in a noncredit certificate; three years to complete the coursework in a certificate with 18 or less credits; and five years to complete the coursework in a certificate with 19 or more credits.  

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

You can take 2 additional accounting courses (in addition to the 10 courses currently) to apply towards the 24-hour business credits. Several courses in our certificate portfolio can be used to meet the business credit requirements, such as: Business Law (New accounting courses to be offered AY 2020 - 2021), Project Management, Leadership courses, and IT courses. You can use the Education Handbook to evaluate the education needed to qualify for the CPA exam.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management.

These degrees are awarded by the University of Virginia, and graduates of these programs are entitled to the same privileges and opportunities available to all students who have earned degrees from the University of Virginia.

There is no "typical" degree student. They come in all ages and live throughout Virginia, the region, and the nation. They are just as likely to be married with children, as to be single. A large number of our students are working professionals. Our students find support from their faculty and peers as they meet the challenges of balancing the demands of family, work, and school. The one thing they have in common: to earn a UVA degree.

The School of Continuing and Professional Studies is committed to maintaining classes small enough for students to consult with faculty about class work on an individual basis and to participate fully in class discussions and presentations. Many classes have fewer than 20 students.

Students have up to seven years to complete the degree. However, the rate at which you finish is up to you and how many courses you can reasonably manage each year. On average, our students take two courses each term (fall, spring, and summer) or a total of six courses per year. At that rate, a student would complete the degree in a little more than three years. At a minimum, students are expected to take one course every term after entering the program. Those who wish to take a heavier than normal load are subject to requisite academic standing and advisor approval.

Our degree programs are designed to meet the needs of the adult learner. Each student is assigned a program or faculty advisor who meets with the student before spring, summer, and fall registration to discuss course selection for the upcoming terms. Students also are encouraged to contact their advisors at any other time for assistance with their academic program. In addition to supportive staff and faculty, our students have access to many of the resources at UVA including extensive audio-visual library collections, career counseling, and job search support, as well as technical support.

The Post Bacc Pre-Med Program is a full-time, one-year, residential program designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled the pre-med prerequisites as an undergraduate and seek the science background necessary for application to medical school and a future career in medicine. The program is not remedial. It is intended for those with strong undergraduate academic records who lack the required science courses for medical school admission.

Admission into medical school cannot be guaranteed. However, it is anticipated that students who have done well in the Post Bacc Pre-Med Program and on the MCAT will achieve success in applying to medical school. Our program has a 95 percent acceptance rate to medical school.

The glide year is the period of time following the completion of the program and prior to your entry into medical school. During the glide year, Post Bacc Pre-Med faculty and staff are available to assist you in completing your medical school application and secondaries. Learn more

You will enjoy the privileges of degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students, including access to exercise facilities and the Medical School's library.

Advisement is an important element of the program. Program faculty and staff continuously support you as a student. University offices and services have been aligned to advise you regarding every aspect of medical careers and admission to medical school. In addition, the Post Bacc Pre-Med program immerses you into the practices of medicine through volunteer work, shadowing, mentoring, and also provides a course on the U.S. HealthCare System.

The curriculum consists of the pre-med science courses needed for medical school admission. Specific courses include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics and all associated labs.

This program has one defined start date. The program is approximately 12 months in length starting each June with summer classes and labs.

Class size ranges from 25 to 35 each year.

Yes. We regularly work with veterans and active military members. The School also offers a reduced tuition rate for active duty military personnel enrolled in online undergraduate courses offered through SCPS. For addition details, please visit our Active Duty Military & Veterans web page.

The University of Virginia offers a monthly payment plan for degree students and those enrolled in the Post Bacc Pre-Med Program to help distribute the costs of education over a period of time. Payment plans can be set up by semester to pay for tuition and fees. Visit the University Student Financial Services web site to learn more.

If you are a benefits-eligible employee, you may be able to use your education benefit to pay for classes at SCPS. Learn more

Financial aid, including AccessUVA, is available to students enrolled in the School's degree programs. Federal Stafford loans may be available to students enrolled in the Post Bacc Pre-Med Program who demonstrate financial need. Learn more

Several scholarships are available to students enrolled in the School's degree programs and the Post Bacc Pre-Med Program. Learn more.

Yes, however, not all of these options are applicable to all programs. It is important to familiarize yourself with your specific program and the options available to you. Learn more

Many of our students use employer / sponsor assistance to pay for their tuition. Learn more 

Applicants for UVA's Post Bacc Pre-Med Program are required to apply for admission through PostBacCAS, an online common application service which collects all application materials and allow students to check on the status of their application in real-time. All Post Bacc Pre-Med application materials must be sent to:

PostBacCAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9209
Watertown, MA 02471

Should you need assistance with your PostBacCAS application, please contact the Liaison customer service and technical support team at 857.304.2047 or PostBacCASinfo@liaisoncas.com

You will need to complete a formal application to apply for admission to one of our degrees or certificates. All applications and supporting materials are accepted online. The University’s Central Admission Office will process all online applications and supporting materials, including transcripts for SCPS applicants. Please contact SCPS Enrollment Team at scpsinquiry@virginia.edu with questions related to your application.

Applicants who believe they may qualify for an application fee waiver should first review the Application Fee Waiver Information.

Applicants for Post Bacc Pre-Med are required to apply for admission through PostBacCAS, an online common application service. Application materials should not be sent to UVA.  All Post Bacc Pre-Med application materials must be sent to: PostBacCAS Transcript Processing Center, PO Box 9209, Watertown, MA 02471

For the School's degrees and certificates, unofficial transcripts are accepted at the time of application. However, applicants who are offered admission will be required at that time to submit official transcripts prior to attending the University. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified.

Official digital transcripts may be sent by your institution or its clearinghouse to centralscpsadmission@virginia.edu

Official transcripts can also be sent directly to the following:

For US Postal Delivery: University of Virginia, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Admissions, PO Box 401105, Charlottesville, VA 22904

For Courier Service Delivery:  Central Admission Office, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 1001 North Emmet St., Room 209B, Carruthers Hall, Charlottesville, VA 22903

If you should happen to receive your official transcripts, do not open them. They are only considered official when received directly from the colleges and universities you've attended, and opened by the Central Admission Office.